Some American Families
Thrive on Busy Schedules

By

Sue Shellenbarger

Updated Aug. 16, 2000 12:18 a.m. ET

AMERICAN FAMILIES this summer are busier than ever -- too busy, some critics say.

Family travel and participation in kids' summer sports and camps are at new highs, and more mothers are working year-round. In many families, that adds up to a frantic pace that time-use gurus say keeps people from savoring the moment.

Cultural critics since Alexis de Tocqueville have faulted Americans for a national tendency toward hyperactivity....